Char-Broil 28″ Performance Series 2-Burner Propane Gas Griddle Review: The Budget Blackstone Challenger We’ve Been Waiting For?

There’s a special kind of heartbreak every backyard chef knows. It’s the sound of a perfectly seasoned asparagus spear, a slice of onion, or a juicy shrimp slipping through the grill grates and into the fiery abyss below. For years, we accepted this as the price of admission for that smoky, charred flavor. We armed ourselves with grill baskets and aluminum foil, but the frustration remained. Traditional grilling is fantastic for steaks and burgers, but it draws a hard line at breakfast, delicate fish, or a proper hibachi-style stir-fry. We wanted more from our outdoor cooking space. We craved the versatility to cook fluffy pancakes in the morning sun and perfectly seared smash burgers for dinner, all on the same surface. This desire for an all-in-one outdoor cooking station is what led us to explore the booming world of flat top griddles, and specifically, to see if a legacy brand like Char-Broil could deliver premium performance without the premium price tag.

What to Consider Before Buying a Propane Gas Griddle

A propane gas griddle is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for unlocking ultimate culinary versatility in your backyard. It transforms your patio into a short-order kitchen, capable of handling everything from a full English breakfast to street tacos for a crowd. The primary benefit is the solid, even cooking surface. Unlike grates, a griddle provides wall-to-wall heat, ensuring consistent browning and cooking without the risk of flare-ups charring your food or smaller items being lost to the flames. This controlled environment allows you to cook with fats like butter and oils, opening up a world of flavor through searing and sautéing that’s simply not possible on a standard grill.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone who loves to entertain and cook a variety of foods outdoors. If you dream of flipping pancakes for the whole family on a Saturday morning, searing a dozen burgers at once for a party, or recreating a teppanyaki experience at home, a griddle is your perfect match. It’s for the home cook who feels limited by their traditional grill. However, it might not be suitable for those who live and die by the distinct char and smoke flavor imparted by open-flame grilling and grill marks. If your definition of barbecue is inextricably linked to that grate-seared pattern, a traditional propane grill might still be your primary tool. Likewise, those with extremely limited patio space or who need a highly portable option for camping may want to consider smaller, more specialized units.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: A freestanding griddle like this one is a significant piece of equipment. The Char-Broil 28″ Performance Series 2-Burner Propane Gas Griddle measures 42 inches wide by 20 inches deep. You need to ensure you have a dedicated, level spot on your deck or patio that can safely accommodate it, with proper clearance from walls and railings. Also, consider the storage space for the propane tank.
• Capacity/Performance: The cooking surface area, measured in square inches, dictates how much food you can cook at once. At 460 square inches, this Char-Broil model is ample for a family of four to six, or for cooking multiple components of a meal simultaneously. Pay close attention to the burner design; Char-Broil’s specialized “O-burners” are engineered to distribute heat more evenly across the cold-rolled steel top, a critical factor in avoiding the hot and cold spots that plague lesser models.
• Materials & Durability: The griddle top itself is the most important component. This model uses cold-rolled steel, which offers fantastic heat retention and a slick surface once properly seasoned. However, it requires diligent maintenance—cleaning and oiling after each use—to prevent rust. The cart is made of painted alloy steel and aluminum, which is standard for this price point but may show wear and tear faster than full stainless steel construction.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Look for features that make your life easier. A front-facing, removable grease trap is a non-negotiable feature for simple cleanup, and this model includes one. An electronic ignition is standard, but as we’ll discuss, its reliability can vary. Long-term care involves protecting the griddle top with a cover (often sold separately) and periodically re-seasoning it to maintain its non-stick properties.

While the Char-Broil 28″ Performance Series 2-Burner Propane Gas Griddle is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: A Heavyweight Contender with Some Scars

Unboxing the Char-Broil 28″ Performance Series 2-Burner Propane Gas Griddle is a two-person job. At 77 pounds, it has a reassuring heft that suggests sturdy construction. The main components—the firebox, the heavy cold-rolled steel griddle top, and the cart pieces—were all present. However, we have to address a prevalent issue that many users have reported and that anyone considering this griddle should be aware of: shipping damage. While our unit arrived with only minor scuffs, the packaging seems inadequate for the product’s weight. We’ve seen numerous accounts of bent fireboxes, dented lids, and warped frames upon arrival. This is a significant quality control issue in the logistics chain that mars an otherwise promising first impression.

Assembly was moderately involved, taking us just under two hours, which aligns with user reports. The instructions are clear enough, but we encountered one minor hiccup that others have also faced: a pre-installed screw that was slightly stripped. We managed to work around it, but it’s a frustrating manufacturing flaw. We recommend having your own set of tools handy rather than relying solely on any included items. Once assembled, the griddle feels solid and stable on its two large wheels, and the side handle makes it easy to maneuver around the patio. Aesthetically, it’s a handsome unit, with a functional, no-frills black painted finish that looks ready for business. It definitely feels like a serious piece of cooking equipment, and you can see its full feature set and user reviews right here.

Deep Dive: Performance, Power, and Pitfalls

A griddle can look great on the patio, but its true worth is measured in heat, steel, and grease. We put the Char-Broil 28″ Performance Series 2-Burner Propane Gas Griddle through a series of demanding culinary tests to see if its performance lives up to its promise, evaluating everything from the initial setup to the final, post-feast cleanup.

The Heart of the Griddle: Cooking Performance and Heat Distribution

The single most important feature of any griddle is its ability to heat evenly, and this is where Char-Broil’s design truly shines. The two specialized O-burners, rated for a combined 30,000 BTUs, are a significant step up from the simple tube burners found on many competitors. After a proper initial seasoning—a critical step we can’t overstate—we fired it up. The electronic ignition worked on our first try, though we wisely followed the advice of other users and replaced the included battery with a fresh one from the start. The griddle top came up to temperature quickly and, more importantly, uniformly.

Our first test was a classic: a massive batch of pancakes. This is the ultimate trial for hot spots, which result in some pancakes being burnt while others remain pale and doughy. We were incredibly impressed. The Char-Broil 28″ Performance Series 2-Burner Propane Gas Griddle produced a dozen beautifully consistent, golden-brown pancakes across its entire 460-square-inch surface. Next, we cranked the heat for smash burgers. The cold-rolled steel top achieved a blistering sear, creating that coveted crispy crust (the Maillard reaction at its finest) in seconds. We could easily fit and manage eight burgers at once without any crowding or significant temperature drops. Finally, we tested its versatility with a full hibachi-style meal of fried rice, vegetables, and chicken. The dual-zone temperature control was effective, allowing us to keep the rice and veggies warm on one side while searing the chicken on high heat on the other. This level of heat control is a feature that really sets it apart in its price category.

Assembly Gauntlet and Build Quality Check

As we mentioned, the journey from box to backyard can be perilous. Our advice is to unbox and inspect every single piece for damage *before* you begin assembly. The firebox and lid are the most commonly reported casualties of rough handling. If your unit is damaged, you’ll want to initiate a return or replacement process immediately. Assuming your griddle arrives unscathed, the assembly process itself is manageable for anyone with basic tool proficiency. It’s a collection of nuts, bolts, and panels that form a surprisingly sturdy cart. The two heavy-duty wheels make it easy to tilt and roll, and the stationary legs keep it locked in place during cooking.

In terms of build quality, it’s a story of smart compromises. The cold-rolled steel cooktop is thick and robust, resisting any warping even under high heat, a key feature highlighted by the manufacturer. The frame is painted alloy steel, which is functional but will require care to avoid scratches that can lead to rust. The side handle, which doubles as a towel bar, and the three integrated tool hooks are genuinely useful additions that show thoughtful design. The warranty—2 years on the burners and 1 year on other parts—is decent for this price point, though some user reports indicate that cosmetic parts damaged in shipping may not be covered, which is a significant concern. While the build is generally solid for the money, the potential for out-of-the-box damage makes it feel like a bit of a gamble. For those wanting to check the latest price and availability, it’s worth factoring in the possibility of needing to process a return.

Living With The Griddle: Cleanup and Long-Term Maintenance

One of the biggest draws of a flat top griddle is the promise of easy cleanup, and the Char-Broil 28″ Performance Series 2-Burner Propane Gas Griddle delivers. The front-facing grease management system is simple and effective. A channel at the front of the cooktop directs all excess oil and food debris into a removable collection cup. After cooking, a quick scrape-down with a griddle scraper is all that’s needed. We found the cup easy to access and clean. This is a far superior system to rear-grease traps that can be messy and difficult to reach.

Long-term maintenance revolves entirely around caring for the steel cooktop. This is not a “set it and forget it” appliance like a porcelain-coated grill grate. After every cook, once the surface is scraped clean, a thin layer of cooking oil must be applied while the griddle is still warm. This builds up the seasoning over time, creating a rust-resistant, non-stick surface. Neglecting this step will inevitably lead to rust. As one user noted, for the price, it’s disappointing that a cover isn’t included. We consider a heavy-duty, weather-resistant cover to be an essential accessory purchase to protect your investment from the elements and prolong the life of the cooktop. This diligent maintenance routine is the trade-off for the incredible cooking performance a steel griddle provides, and it’s a ritual that quickly becomes second nature. It’s a small price to pay for the ability to make cooking fun again and add hibachi to the menu.

What Other Users Are Saying

Diving into feedback from fellow owners, a clear and consistent picture emerges. On the positive side, the sentiment is overwhelmingly strong regarding the griddle’s value and performance. One user summed it up perfectly, stating it’s “Great Price – good quality. easy to assemble. Far more affordable than Blackstone and same quality.” This captures the core appeal: it delivers the coveted flat top experience at a fraction of the cost of the market leader. Another happy customer said it’s “making cooking fun again and we can now add hibachi to the dinner menu,” confirming our own experience with its versatility.

However, the negative feedback is just as consistent and focuses almost exclusively on shipping and initial setup. The phrase “it unfortunately arrived damaged” appears in multiple reviews, with users detailing bent fireboxes and dented lids. This is the product’s Achilles’ heel. Beyond damage, initial ignition issues are another common complaint. One user detailed a frustrating experience: “Did not fire up. First no ignition… replaced the battery… Then the ignition worked. However, now the burners will not turn on… the screw is stripped from manufacturer assembly part.” This highlights a potential for quality control lapses that can turn an exciting purchase into a frustrating project.

How Does It Compare? The Char-Broil Griddle vs. The Competition

The Char-Broil 28″ Performance Series 2-Burner Propane Gas Griddle exists in a crowded outdoor cooking market. While it excels as a griddle, your specific needs might be better met by a more traditional grill or a different form factor. Here’s how it stacks up against three notable alternatives.

1. EUHOME 4-Burner Propane Gas BBQ Grill with Side Burner

The EUHOME 4-Burner is a classic, full-size propane grill that represents a completely different cooking philosophy. With four main burners, enameled cast iron grates, and an additional side burner, it’s built for traditional barbecue. If your priority is achieving deep grill marks on steaks, slow-cooking ribs with smoky flavor, and having the versatility of a side burner for sauces or side dishes, this is the superior choice. It offers more raw heating power and a larger primary cooking area. However, it completely lacks the flat top surface, meaning you can’t cook eggs, pancakes, or chopped vegetables without additional accessories. It’s for the grilling purist, not the griddling enthusiast.

2. Kenmore 3-Burner Propane BBQ Grill

The Kenmore 3-Burner grill offers a balance between performance and a more compact, stylish footprint. Its 30,000 BTU output is comparable to the Char-Broil griddle, but it delivers that heat through traditional burners to cast iron grates. Its folding side tables are a fantastic feature for smaller patios where space is at a premium. This grill is the ideal alternative for someone who wants the classic grilling experience—burgers, chicken, hot dogs—in a well-designed and space-efficient package. You trade the griddle’s unique versatility for portability and convenience features tailored to a traditional grilling workflow.

3. Cuisinart Petite Gourmet Portable Gas Grill with VersaStand

The Cuisinart Petite Gourmet is on the opposite end of the spectrum from the Char-Broil griddle. Its entire design is centered around portability. It’s small, lightweight, and features an adjustable stand, making it perfect for camping, tailgating, or apartment balcony use. With a 150 sq. in. cooking surface, it’s designed for small meals for one or two people. While it uses traditional grates, its primary selling point is its grab-and-go nature. Someone would choose this over the Char-Broil if their number one priority is being able to take their grill on the road. The Char-Broil is a stationary backyard centerpiece; the Cuisinart is a mobile cooking companion.

The Final Verdict: A High-Performance Griddle with a High-Risk Gamble

After extensive testing and analysis, our verdict on the Char-Broil 28″ Performance Series 2-Burner Propane Gas Griddle is clear: it is a phenomenal cooking machine let down by logistical and quality control issues. The O-burner system delivers on its promise of even, consistent heat, turning the 460 sq. in. cooktop into a wonderfully versatile canvas for culinary creativity. From searing to sautéing, it performs as well as, or better than, griddles costing significantly more. For its core function—cooking food—it earns top marks.

However, we cannot ignore the widespread and credible reports of shipping damage. Buying this griddle feels like a lottery; you may receive a perfect unit and have it assembled in a couple of hours, or you could face a frustrating ordeal of bent parts and returns. We recommend this griddle, with a strong caveat, to the budget-conscious enthusiast who is willing to take that gamble. If you receive an undamaged unit, you will have secured one of the best values in outdoor cooking today. If you’re ready to roll the dice on a griddle that can truly elevate your backyard meals, you can find the Char-Broil 28″ Performance Series 2-Burner Propane Gas Griddle and make it the new star of your patio right now.